Historic Swansea Police Station Converted into Housing for the Homeless

A former central police station in Swansea has undergone a major renovation to provide essential temporary housing for individuals facing homelessness.

The Grade II listed building, now known as Llys Glas, has been repurposed into a 68-room facility. The site features multi-floor accommodation including en-suite bedrooms, shared kitchens, and communal living spaces. Beyond just a place to stay, the facility offers 24-hour on-site support for residents, many of whom are dealing with complex health issues or transitioning back into society following prison sentences.

A Collaborative Effort

The project is a joint venture between Swansea Council and the social housing provider Codi (formerly Pobl). While Codi has owned the historic city-center site since 2003—previously using it for student housing—it has now been pivoted to address the city's urgent housing crisis. The transformation was made possible through significant grant funding from the Welsh Government.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

In recent years, Swansea has seen a sharp rise in homelessness, driven by the cost-of-living crisis and a lack of affordable permanent housing. This has forced the Council to rely heavily on expensive bed and breakfast (B&B) placements.

The opening of Llys Glas is expected to:

• Reduce reliance on B&Bs: Providing a more stable and cost-effective alternative for emergency housing.

• Offer specialized support: Helping tenants stabilize their lives so they can eventually move into permanent homes.

• Preserve local heritage: Giving a new, socially valuable purpose to a historic city landmark.

Official Perspectives

During a recent visit to the site, Councillor Andrea Williams, Swansea’s Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, praised the renovation. "This facility provides more than just a roof; it offers a safe environment where residents can access the support they need to move toward a more positive future," she stated.

Andrew Vye of Codi echoed this sentiment, noting that a secure home is the foundation for recovery. "Housing is at the heart of everything. We are proud to partner with the Council to provide solutions to the ongoing homelessness challenges across Wales."